Export abilities are fundamental to US manufacturing, security

26 February 2013 22:44[Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS)--The Department of Defense (DOD) is encouraging manufacturers to incorporate export abilities in the initial design of their products so the US can remain globally competitive, a government official said on Tuesday.

“We have an advantage right now, and the only way to maintain that advantage is to make sure our companies have the ability to export,” said Brett Lambert, deputy assistant secretary of defence for manufacturing and industrial base policy.

“It’s fundamental to the strategy of regaining our manufacturing and security,” he said, addressing those at the HOUTEX: The Art of Manufacturing conference.

Lambert said manufacturers tend to build their products first and then worry about export ability afterward when it is too late or too expensive to incorporate it into the process.

“The goals are one, how do we make your job easier to export, and two, design that in the beginning,” Lambert said.

“We are committed to helping exports, especially if we can have a better position globally,” he added.

Lambert said the DOD is examining responsible export control policies that protect important technologies but do not inhibit industrial growth.